The publication was founded in 2004 by Kathlene Collins, formerly a business manager for The Chronicle of Higher Education, and two former editors of The Chronicle, Scott Jaschik and Doug Lederman.[1][2]

Typical daily content includes several news stories, announcements of newly hired college and university administrators and faculty, and brief items called "Quick Takes". Scott McLemee writes the weekly "Intellectual Affairs" column. The "Views" section features columns from faculty and administration contributors. The website also hosts several blogs on education topics, including "Confessions of a Community College Dean" and "The Education of Oronte Churm."

Online access is free. The business' founders expected that most of Inside Higher Ed's revenue would come from employment advertising and services for employment recruiters.[1]